Christian After-School Programs: Results or Just Activity?

By Wanda Parker

KidTrek is now providing on-line training for Christian After-School ministries

There are thousands of Christian After-School programs across America.   The question that isn’t often asked is what kind of LASTING results are they getting?

Jeremiah 17:10
“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways.
According to the results of his deeds.”

What a challenge for those of us who believe the Bible to be the Word of God.  A challenge to not just get caught up in activity but to make sure our activity is producing results.

Dr. David Dubois, author of “Handbook of Youth Mentoring” cautioned that many faith-based organizations have good intentions but lack professional expertise about children’s developmental and mental health.

A couple of years ago I was approached at different times by three large Christian after-school programs across America, each one had the same story.  “We have been in ministry for thirty years and sadly today we have few results to show for it.  Can you help us?”

When I told them I could and laid out what they needed to do they said that was impossible.  IMAGINE – each of these three ministries have been working with at-risk kids for over thirty years – and they have few lasting results to show for it.

What does an INVISIBLE AT-RISK CHILD IN AMERICA need from an after-school program to make a LASTING difference in his life?

• An adult trained to work with at-risk kids who is committed long-term to the child
  • This same adult:
    • Building a “friend” relationship with his primary nurturers.
    • Meeting with his teacher a minimum of once a month.
    • Building a relationship with social service professionals involved in the kid’s life.
    • Being at the after-school center everyday the center is open.
    • Is trained to tutor, challenge, encourage, hold the kid accountable before he begins working with kid.

Wednesday I’ll share why these three ministries wouldn’t do what I suggested, as well as why the kids need this tough kind of love.

Are you in need of Christian Curriculum for your After School Ministry?

Don’t miss the post After School Programs: Church Based – What At Risk Kids Need Read the following posts that explains the role of the Secondary Nurturer.